Hillhall Road work to begin

Work is due to start on Monday on a £460,000 scheme to improve the Hillhall Road.

Transport Minister Michelle McIlveen visited Lisburn this week to announce the start of improvements at the Glen Road junction.

The work is due to be completed by summer.

“I am very pleased,” she said, “to announce the start of this major improvement scheme, which will greatly reduce the severity of this corner and help to improve road safety.

“This investment will also improve the sightlines and stopping sight distance on what is a heavily used road, improving road safety for both motorists and local residents.”

The Hillhall Road has had a notorious reputation for many years, with a number of serious and fatal accidents occurring on the road between Lisurn and Belfast.

It is hoped this scheme, which will improve visibility and even out one of the most severe corners on the road, will reduce the number of accidents.

Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan welcomed the announcement that the much needed work was scheduled to begin next week.

“The Hillhall Road carries thousands of vehicle journeys every day between Lisburn and Belfast,” he said.

“Unfortunately, due to its narrow width and tight corners, collisions occur too often, which causes damage to vehicles and injury to road- users.

“This latest scheme to improve the Hillhall Road is to be welcomed and will help reduce the number of accidents that take place at this dangerous point in the road and minimise the disruption in journeys that accidents cause.

“There is a need for continued investment on this route and across the roads network in Lisburn which I will continue to lobby the minister’s department to deliver.”

TransportNI said it had carefully programmed the works and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience to the public.

However, lane restrictions will be in place during off-peak periods, which may result in some localised delays, and motorists should allow additional time for journeys on the route.

Advanced warning signs will be erected.

The dates are subject to favourable weather conditions and TransportNI will keep the public informed of any change.